Since 1995 the National Bank of Ukraine has issued more than a thousand commemorative coins. That number scares a beginner: where do you start? The answer is simple: do not try to collect everything. A good collection begins with a limit.
Step 1. Choose a theme
A collection with an idea is more interesting and more valuable than a random set. The easiest way is to pick one of the NBU series:
- “Oriental Calendar”: one coin a year and a clear goal of completing twelve signs.
- “Flora and Fauna of Ukraine”: animals and plants, one of the best-loved series.
- “Armed Forces of Ukraine”: a modern series in high demand.
- “Outstanding Personalities of Ukraine”: the largest series; it is handy to narrow it down to writers, scientists or artists.
- “Regions of Ukraine” and “Ancient Cities of Ukraine”: for those who care about geography.
You can also follow your own principle: coins from the years your children were born, your home town, a favourite artist.
Step 2. Set a budget and a metal
Most NBU commemorative coins come in two metals.
Nickel silver is an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc. These coins cost the least and have large mintages, usually tens of thousands. It is the best place to start.
Silver coins mostly contain one ounce of fine metal. Mintages are smaller, often a few thousand, and prices are higher, but collector interest in them is steadier.
Gold is issued in small runs; that is a different level of budget.
Step 3. Look at the mintage
Mintage is the number of coins struck. The lower it is, the harder the coin will be to find in a few years. The NBU publishes two numbers: announced and actual mintage. Go by the actual one: it can be half of the announced figure.
Step 4. Keep the full set
The capsule, souvenir packaging, booklet or certificate are part of the coin. Do not throw them away and do not take the coin out of its capsule. More in “How to store coins”.
Step 5. Keep records
Write down what you have and what is missing from a full series. In the “My collection” section of your Coin Treasure account you can add coins, see your progress within series and build a wishlist.
Where to buy
The National Bank sells new coins through its own online shop and distributor banks. The most popular issues sell out fast, and then the secondary market remains: shops and collectors. When buying second-hand, check the coin’s condition and whether the original packaging is included.
All commemorative coins in our catalogue are here.
